ِALGERIA- Large-Scale Meat Imports Ahead of Ramadan

The Ministry of Internal Trade and National Market Regulation has announced a series of proactive measures to ensure the availability of essential goods during the month of Ramadan. The plan includes the import of 144,000 head of sheep and 46,000 head of cattle for slaughter, alongside the establishment of 560 local markets across 69 provinces to bring consumer goods closer to citizens and stabilize prices.

The Director General of Market Regulation and Supply, Ahmed Meqrani, stated that import licenses were granted to the Algerian Red Meat Company “Alviar” and the Mediterranean Public Economic Enterprise for Refrigeration “Frigomedit” to carry out these operations, with slaughtering to take place in approved facilities in accordance with applicable standards.

Private operators have also begun importing 21,000 tons of vacuum-packed red meat from Brazil to support national supply. Coordination is underway with the Ministries of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Fisheries to implement a distribution plan covering all provinces, ensuring direct access for consumers at regulated prices.
The measures include exemptions from duties and levies on imported sheep and cattle intended for slaughter, as well as authorization to import live livestock in the event of increased demand to maintain supply stability and price balance.

Authorities confirmed that staple goods such as oil, sugar, semolina, and flour will be sufficiently available throughout Ramadan, noting that some vegetable prices have stabilized or declined due to improved domestic production.

The plan also предусматри opening sales points operated by public groups and private traders nationwide, capping profit margins, and strengthening market oversight with more than 900 inspectors and 50 laboratories dedicated to quality control and anti-fraud measures.

Additionally, a national campaign to promote responsible consumption and reduce waste has been launched, along with digital platforms for reporting hoarding and speculation, as part of a comprehensive strategy to protect purchasing power and ensure market stability during Ramadan.